Optimizing radiologist e-prescribing of CT oral contrast agent using a protocoling portal

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Health Informatics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ordering oral contrast media for CT scans is a common but time-consuming task for radiologists.
• Integrated protocoling portals aim to streamline clinical workflows and improve efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the time radiologists spend ordering CT oral contrast media using an integrated protocoling portal.
• To assess radiologists' perceptions of this ordering process and its impact on workflow and patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study at a tertiary care facility over 14 days.
• Detailed timing of oral contrast orders placed via computerized physician order entry (CPOE).
• Radiologist perceptions gathered through surveys; data analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• Average time to create and sign an oral contrast order was 27.2 seconds.
• 52.5% of respondents believed radiologist entry improved patient safety.
• 15% found the order entry process very or extremely disruptive to workflow.

Conclusions:

• CT oral contrast agent e-prescribing via CPOE can be integrated into radiologist protocol workflows.
• Integrating health IT tools effectively can enhance user acceptance and adoption of new systems.